Design and Costs Analysis of Hydrogen Refuelling Stations Based on Different Hydrogen Sources and Plant Configurations

Alessandra Perna, Mariagiovanna Minutillo, Simona Di Micco and Elio Jannelli
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Alessandra Perna: Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
Mariagiovanna Minutillo: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
Simona Di Micco: Department of Engineering, University of Naples Parthenope, 80143 Napoli, Italy
Elio Jannelli: Department of Engineering, University of Naples Parthenope, 80143 Napoli, Italy

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 2, 1-22

Abstract: In this study, the authors present a techno-economic assessment of on-site hydrogen refuelling stations (450 kg/day of H 2 ) based on different hydrogen sources and production technologies. Green ammonia, biogas, and water have been considered as hydrogen sources while cracking, autothermal reforming, and electrolysis have been selected as the hydrogen production technologies. The electric energy requirements of the hydrogen refuelling stations (HRSs) are internally satisfied using the fuel cell technology as power units for ammonia and biogas-based configurations and the PV grid-connected power plant for the water-based one. The hydrogen purification, where necessary, is performed by means of a Palladium-based membrane unit. Finally, the same hydrogen compression, storage, and distribution section are considered for all configurations. The sizing and the energy analysis of the proposed configurations have been carried out by simulation models adequately developed. Moreover, the economic feasibility has been performed by applying the life cycle cost analysis. The ammonia-based configurations are the best solutions in terms of hydrogen production energy efficiency (>71%, LHV) as well as from the economic point of view, showing a levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) in the range of 6.28 EUR/kg to 6.89 EUR/kg, a profitability index greater than 3.5, and a Discounted Pay Back Time less than five years.

Keywords: green ammonia; biogas; water electrolysis; hydrogen; on-site hydrogen refuelling station; levelized cost of hydrogen (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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